Iêda Maria Vargas, the Brazilian trailblazer who made history as the country’s first winner of Miss Universe, has died at the age of 80.
According to People, her death occurred on Monday, December 22, in Gramado, located in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul—just nine days before she would have turned 81 on Dec. 31.
Vargas rose to international prominence in 1963 when she captured the Miss Universe crown in Miami Beach, Florida. At the time, her victory marked a breakthrough moment not only for Brazil but for global pageantry, as she became the first Brazilian contestant to win a major international beauty title. Before stepping onto the world stage, Vargas had already claimed the national crown as Miss Brazil.
News of her death was confirmed through a statement shared on her official Instagram account. “At this moment of immense pain, we thank all the manifestations of affection, respect, and solidarity received,” the message read in translation. “Iêda was a woman of light, who marked the history and lives of many people, leaving a legacy of love, joy, and inspiration.”
Born on December 31, 1944, Vargas was a native of Rio Grande do Sul and later built a career that included acting and public appearances. During her reign as Miss Universe, she participated in a range of international engagements, including the opening of the Capital Plaza Mall in Landover Hills, Maryland, near Washington, D.C.—a notable moment that underscored the growing global profile of the pageant at the time.
Tributes quickly followed from Brazil’s pageant community. The Miss Universe Brazil organization honored Vargas’ impact by noting that her 1963 win helped redefine how Brazilian women were seen on the global stage. “She opened ways when there were no references yet,” the organization wrote in Portuguese, crediting Vargas with inspiring generations and reshaping the legacy of Miss Universe.
Vargas is survived by her daughter, Fernanda Vargas, who also shared a personal message online. “My partner, wonderful mother, fought like a warrior,” she wrote, later adding, “Thank you for giving me the honor of living all this time by your side.”
The Miss Universe Organization also expressed condolences, stating that Vargas’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Details regarding her cause of death have not been disclosed.